EMBRACE: The emotion sharing bracelet

Paper in proceeding, 2015

In this study we present Embrace; a wearable device that explores the potential of wearable technology harnessing the affordance of human form and deformable displays. We research new ways of communicating with loved ones in order to improve the experience of connectedness when they are apart. Embrace is a wearable device in the form of a bracelet that shares emotion between peers by providing both visual and haptic feedback. Other devices like smartphones and tablets have a rigid form and material. In contrast, the deformable display used in Embrace enables the user to wear the technology seamlessly on the body. The haptic feedback for sharing emotions is believed to provide a different experience since the physical sensation is more close to feeling heartbeats, hugs, and skin contact, compared to only visual information of today’s mobile devices.